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T O P I C R E V I E W

Robert Pearlman

Velcro USA are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their trademark (May 13, 1958) this week. Though developed separately from NASA (also 50 this year), the company is highlighting, in part, their role within U.S. space exploration history.

quote:It captured our imaginations along with the space program, and now it's something we can't live without. This world-famous invention inspired by Mother Nature has put convenience at the fingertips of a whole generation.

For 50 years, VELCRO(R) brand hook and loop fasteners have permeated the lives and imaginations of inventors, designers and households throughout the world. We've come to rely on hook and loop for everything from replacing shoelaces to securing lifesaving medical devices.

...

The first use of hook and loop fastener was in 1953. De Mestral's invention soon spread throughout Europe and to America as Velcro S.A. obtained patents on both continents. The VELCRO(R) brand was trademarked in the United States on May 13, 1958, and a cultural phenomenon was born.

Since then, these beloved products have traced a storied history through America's pop culture, including flying with Neil Armstrong to the moon and fooling around on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

As part of their celebration, Velcro USA has opened an exhibit at at Innoventions" at Epcot at the Walt Disney WorldŽ Resort in Florida. Though primarily focused on household uses for Velcro, guests end their visit to the "Slapstick Studios" exiting through a gallery presenting real-life industrial and commercial uses of hook and loop product.

quote:Visitors will view many VELCRO(R) brand products, seldom seen by the general public, but used widely in applications and products for the NASA space program, automotive, medical and industrial markets.

garymilgrom

Thanks for this news Robert. They have a funny video that includes an attempted Shuttle launch here.

ejectr

My first encounter with Velcro 50 years ago was on a pair of shoes. Rather than laces, the top sealed over the shoe with a Velcro lined flap that adhered to the opposite side of the shoe.